EP0691583B1 - Image formation - Google Patents

Image formation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0691583B1
EP0691583B1 EP95303785A EP95303785A EP0691583B1 EP 0691583 B1 EP0691583 B1 EP 0691583B1 EP 95303785 A EP95303785 A EP 95303785A EP 95303785 A EP95303785 A EP 95303785A EP 0691583 B1 EP0691583 B1 EP 0691583B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toner
carrier
photoreceptor
electrification
image
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP95303785A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0691583A1 (en
Inventor
Yasushige C/O Fujutsu Limited Nakamura
Norio C/O Fujutsu Limited Sawatari
Tsuneo /O Fujutsu Limited Watanuki
Fumio C/O Fujitsu Limited Takei
Toru C/O Fujitsu Limited Takahashi
Yasuyuki C/O Fujitsu Limited Furuse
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Fujitsu Ltd
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Fujitsu Ltd
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/0821—Developers with toner particles characterised by physical parameters
    • G03G9/0823—Electric parameters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/22—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20
    • G03G15/34—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20 in which the powder image is formed directly on the recording material, e.g. by using a liquid toner
    • G03G15/344—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20 in which the powder image is formed directly on the recording material, e.g. by using a liquid toner by selectively transferring the powder to the recording medium, e.g. by using a LED array
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/0802—Preparation methods
    • G03G9/081—Preparation methods by mixing the toner components in a liquefied state; melt kneading; reactive mixing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/0819—Developers with toner particles characterised by the dimensions of the particles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/0821—Developers with toner particles characterised by physical parameters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/10—Developers with toner particles characterised by carrier particles
    • G03G9/107—Developers with toner particles characterised by carrier particles having magnetic components
    • G03G9/1075—Structural characteristics of the carrier particles, e.g. shape or crystallographic structure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G9/00—Developers
    • G03G9/08—Developers with toner particles
    • G03G9/10—Developers with toner particles characterised by carrier particles
    • G03G9/107—Developers with toner particles characterised by carrier particles having magnetic components
    • G03G9/1087—Specified elemental magnetic metal or alloy, e.g. alnico comprising iron, nickel, cobalt, and aluminum, or permalloy comprising iron and nickel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image-forming method wherein development is carried out substantially simultaneously with imagewise exposure from within a photoreceptor, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor, which method is remarkably improved over the conventional Carlson process, is free from evolution of ozone harmful to the human body, and can stably provide a good image at low cost.
  • the invention is also directed to materials used in such a method.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the principle of forming an image by the above process.
  • a photoreceptor 1 comprises a transparent substrate 2, a transparent conductive layer 3, and a photoconductive layer 4, and the transparent conductive layer is grounded.
  • a developer 5 comprises a high-resistance carrier 6 and an insulating toner 7.
  • a developing roller 8 comprises a magnet roller 9 and, provided thereon, a conductive sleeve 10. The developer is attracted to the developing roller by magnetic force, deposited on the sleeve and, in this state, carried to the photoreceptor.
  • the following three steps are successively carried out instantaneously.
  • the photoreceptor 1 is subjected to electrification 12 through the developer 5.
  • the electrified photoreceptor 1 is then subjected to imagewise exposure through the transparent substrate 2 to form a latent image.
  • Numeral 11 designates an optical system.
  • development occurs in a zone (3) at its latent image forming portion, because the electrical adhesion 13 of the toner 7 to the photoreceptor 1 is higher than the magnetic force 14 from the magnet roller 9, the electrostatic attractive force from carriers on the magnet roller 9, and the mechanical scraping force.
  • the toner 7 is recovered by taking advantage of the magnetic force and electrostatic attractive force from the magnet roller 9 and the magnetic carriers and the mechanical scraping force. Therefore, as compared with a nonmagnetic toner, a magnetic toner, by virtue of using magnetic attractive force, is more advantageous as a toner from the viewpoint of the prevention of background fog. Since, however, a nonmagnetic toner can be recovered by taking advantage of electrostatic attractive force from the carriers and the mechanical scraping force, it is also possible to use a nonmagnetic toner.
  • the developed toner is transferred onto a recording medium, that is, paper or a plastic sheet, to provide a print. The above process will be hereinafter referred to as "optical back recording process or system.”
  • the above-described optical back recording system is different from the conventional system (hereinafter referred to as "Carlson system").
  • Carlson system the electrification of a photoreceptor, exposure, and development are carried out by separate processes, enabling the electrification potential of the photoreceptor to be set at a higher value than the developing bias so as not to cause background fog.
  • the toner is carried electrostatically to the latent image, whereas no toner is deposited on the background.
  • the optical back recording system since the surface potential of the photoreceptor is created by the developing bias, the potential of the photoreceptor is equal to or, owing to a small decrease in efficiency, smaller than the developing bias.
  • the toner deposited on the background is recovered by the magnetic or electrostatic attractive force from the magnetic roller and the mechanical scraping force.
  • An enhancement in the recovering capability for the purpose of reducing background fog results in lowered print density.
  • the attainment of a combination of reduced background fog and a high print density is highly sought after in the art.
  • Satisfactory printing properties should be obtainable in a toner concentration of 10 to 30% by weight in that demand for reduced cost has led to a tendency for the conventional toner concentration control system using a magnetic sensor to be replaced by an automatic toner concentration control system as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-150667.
  • the conventional magnetic sensor can control the toner concentration to any desired value within ⁇ 2%, whereas the above automatic toner concentration control system can carry out only a rough control of the toner concentration, i.e., to the extent that the toner concentration will fall within a range of 10 to 30% by weight.
  • the present inventors have found that, in the optical back recording system, the influence of the shape of the toner, the amount of electrification of the toner, and the shape of the carrier on the print density and background fog is larger than in the case of the Carlson system, and that a high print density and low fog can be realized by regulating the shape of the toner, the amount of electrification of the toner, and/or the shape of the carrier.
  • the Fs value is theoretically between 0 and 1.
  • volume average particle diameter (d t ) as measured with a Coulter Counter (manufactured by Coulter Electronics K.K.), toner density ( ⁇ t ), and specific surface area (S) measured by the BET method using a gas mixture of 70% helium and 30% nitrogen are used in the calculation of Fs.
  • the Fs value is in the range of 0.75 to 0.9 with the amount of electrification being in the range of 10 to 40 ⁇ C/g in terms of absolute value.
  • the Fs value is less than 0.75, background fog is significant, while when it is more than 0.9, the print density is reduced.
  • the amount of electrification, in terms of absolute value is less than 10 ⁇ C/g whether the electrification is positive or negative, failure of transfer occurs, while if it is more than 40 ⁇ C/g, background fog becomes significant, rendering the toner unsuitable for practical use.
  • the magnitude of electrification of the toner was found to be still more preferably in the range of 30 to 20 ⁇ C/g.
  • the amount of electrification was measured by the magnet blow-off method (J. Nakajima and J. Tashiro: FUJITSU Scientific & Technical Journal, Vol. 17, No. 4, p. 115 (1981)). Specifically, an apparatus wherein a mesh of a machine for measuring the amount of electrification (manufactured by Toshiba Chemical Corp.) was replaced with a magnet is disclosed. On the other hand, for the mesh blow-off method, the electrification caused by friction between the developer and the mesh at the time of blowing off the developer is also counted. For this reason, the absolute value measured by the mesh blow-off method is usually about 10 ⁇ C/g higher than that measured by the magnet blow-off method.
  • Examples of the conventional toner include a toner having an Fs value in the range of 0.5 to 0.73 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-142857) and a toner having an Fs value in the range of 0.66 to 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 59-58438).
  • the techniques disclosed in these documents do not relate to optical back recording, but to the conventional recording system. More specifically, neither document suggests that a toner having such a high Fs value is applicable to or useful in an image forming apparatus for optical back recording contemplated in the present invention. Further, optical back recording properties are not determined by the Fs value alone, since with the Fs value the amount of electrification is also an important factor. Both the documents are completely silent on this point.
  • An emulsion-polymerized toner is preferably used as the toner because the shape can be easily varied (the shape being freely variable to those ranging from a sphere to an indefinite shape).
  • the emulsion-polymerized toner is prepared by subjecting a radical polymerizable monomer to emulsion polymerization (or non-emulsion polymerization) and associating the resultant resin particles with carbon and a charge control agent in water to provide a toner. After the association, the resultant toner is heated in water to bring the resin particles to a melted state to vary the shape of the particles.
  • the shape can be freely varied to those ranging from an indefinite shape to a sphere (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-186253). According to experiments conducted by the present inventors, the Fs value could be controlled in the range of 0.2 to 0.95.
  • the emulsion-polymerized toner is considered most effective for control of its shape, a suspension-polymerized toner is also considered usable (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) Nos. 54-84730 and 3-155565 and the like).
  • the toner prepared by this conventional method has a truly spherical form having an Fs value of not less than 0.95 which often causes decreased print density in optical back recording.
  • a suspension-polymerized toner having an Fs value in the range of 0.75 to 0.9 may be used which, during production of the toner, has been subjected to some dimple treatment or treatment for rendering the shape of the toner indefinite by taking advantage of pressurization treatment (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 4-156555), agitation conditions, heating conditions, and the like.
  • Wardar's sphericity is related to the projected area of the particle and, hence, reflects the shape of a particle as viewed macroscopically, and as the Fs value approaches 1, the shape becomes close to a sphere.
  • background fog worsens by increasing the force by which the toner adheres to the photoreceptor. This suggests that background fog worsens with increasing attractive force at very short range (submicrons or less), such as van der Waals force and image force.
  • the shape of the toner is expressed in terms of Wardar's sphericity, the difference in shape over submicron regions on the surface of the particle is not reflected at all.
  • a toner produced by the pulverization process will now be compared with one produced by the polymerization process.
  • the toner produced by emulsion polymerization is oval, the surface is smooth. Therefore, as compared with the toner produced by the pulverization process, the Fs value is larger although Wardar's value is smaller.
  • the background fog decreases with increasing Fs values independently of Wardar's value.
  • the amount of electrification can be controlled as desired by varying the kind and amount of a charge control agent (for example, an azo-chrome compound) added.
  • a charge control agent for example, an azo-chrome compound
  • the radical polymerizable monomer usable in the present invention may be a monomer having in one molecule one ethylenically unsaturated bond.
  • Examples thereof include styrene and derivatives thereof; a-methylene fatty acid monocarboxylic acid esters, such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and diethylaminoethyl methacrylate; acrylic esters, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and isobutyl acrylate; vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, and vinyl isobutyl ether; vinylketones, such as vinyl methyl ketone, vinyl he
  • the suspension-polymerized toner compounds soluble in the monomer (such as azobisisobutyronitrile, benzoyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, and isopropyl peroxycarbonate) are usually used as a polymerization initiator. It is also possible to use these compounds in combination with hydrogen peroxide soluble in water or the like. On the other hand, in the emulsion-polymerized toner, it is also possible to successfully conduct polymerization even if use is made of a polymerization initiator usually soluble in water, for example, persulfates, such as potassium persulfate, and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, or a redox polymerization initiator.
  • a polymerization initiator usually soluble in water, for example, persulfates, such as potassium persulfate, and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, or a redox polymerization initiator.
  • Charge control agents include azo-chrome (negative electrification), nigrosine (positive electrification), ammonium (positive and negative electrification), and other known charge control agents.
  • silica, titanium oxide, alumina, resin powder, and known other external additives may be used.
  • the photoreceptor may comprise an organic material, such as a phthalocyanine or azo compound.
  • the substrate of the photoreceptor may comprise a transparent or translucent material, such as glass or acrylic resin.
  • the transparent or translucent conductive layer of the photoreceptor may be formed by vapor deposition of an inorganic material, such as ITO or SnO 2 ; dispersion of ITO, SnO 2 , or the like in a resin followed by coating; or coating of a solvent-soluble organic material, such as polyaniline.
  • the coating method is preferred from the viewpoint of cost.
  • Carriers usable in combination with the above toner include conventional materials, such as iron powder, magnetite, and ferrite.
  • the carriers may be coated with a general-purpose material, such as an acrylic, styrene-acrylic, or silicone resin.
  • a resin carrier prepared by incorporating a magnetite powder into a resin is preferred from the viewpoint of deposition of the carrier.
  • the average particle diameter is preferably in the range of 10 to 50 ⁇ m, still preferably in the range of 20 to 45 ⁇ m.
  • the electric resistivity of the carrier is preferably not less than 10 2 ⁇ cm, still preferably not less than 10 3 ⁇ cm.
  • the present inventors have found that increasing the specific surface area of the carrier can increase the toner concentration and toner shape margin. More specifically, it has been found that good printing properties can be obtained even when the toner concentration is in the range of 10 to 30% by weight when the carrier (preferably an iron powder) meets the following requirements:
  • magnetic particles having a magnetic susceptibility of not more than 90 emu/g, of magnetite, ferrite, and a dispersion of a magnetic powder in a resin
  • the magnetic particles are, upon electrification, unfavorably deposited on the photoreceptor.
  • background fog occurs when the toner concentration is not less than 10% by weight.
  • an iron powder having a specific surface area of not less than 1800 cm 2 /g cannot be produced because the production thereof is attended with danger of ignition.
  • the reason for this is believed to reside in that, since the toner holding capability per unit weight increases with increasing specific surface area, the electric resistance of the developing agent is less likely to change even in the case of a high toner concentration.
  • An iron powder having an electric resistivity of not more than 10 2 ⁇ cm has low electric resistivity also in the form of a developing agent, so that a leak is likely to damage the photoreceptor.
  • the developing agent has an electric resistivity of not less than 10 12 ⁇ cm, which makes it impossible to carry out electrification through introduction of electric charges into the photoreceptor, resulting in background fog.
  • the average particle diameter of the iron powder is less than 20 ⁇ m, the particles are unfavorably deposited on the photoreceptor at the time of electrification through the iron powder.
  • the average particle diameter of the iron powder is more than 45 ⁇ m, the distance of iron powder particles from one another in the developing agent becomes large, which renders the electrification of the photoreceptor unsatisfactory, resulting in occurrence of background fog of the resultant print.
  • Iron powder in the form of true spheres produced by atomization, a porous sponge iron powder, and flaky iron powder are generally known as iron powder, and background fog occurs for an iron powder in the form of a true sphere, a porous iron powder, i.e., the so-called "sponge iron powder," and the usual flaky iron powder.
  • the iron powder used herein may be coated with a resin.
  • a resin such as styrene/acrylic, polyester, epoxy, or silicone resin
  • conductive carbon being dispersed therein enables the electric resistance to be controlled as desired.
  • coating of an iron powder with a resin followed by implantation of carbon into the surface of the coating is unacceptable because continuous printing causes the carbon to come off, resulting in a change in electric resistivity.
  • the toner may be prepared by the conventional pulverization process or directly by suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization.
  • toner directly prepared by suspension polymerization or emulsion polymerization as compared with toner having an indefinite shape, is preferable because it has smaller adhesion to the photoreceptor and better electrification stability, flowability, and developing properties (Japanese Patent Application No. 06-144050).
  • the developing roll used may comprise a magnet within a conductive nonmagnetic sleeve.
  • the magnet may be fixed with the sleeve only being rotatable.
  • both the magnet and the sleeve may be rotatable.
  • a multipolar magnet roller of which the number of magnetic poles is not less than 20 may be directly rotated.
  • the photoconductive layer may be formed of either an inorganic material or an organic material. Since, however, inorganic materials have lower dark resistivity than organic materials, the electrification is unsatisfactory unless the resistivity of the developing agent used is reduced. For this reason, the use of an organic material is more advantageous.
  • the photoreceptor usable herein is specifically as follows.
  • the substrate for the photoreceptor may be formed of any known material having high enough transparency to permit light necessary for exposure to pass therethrough, such as glass, a PET film or a plastic.
  • the conductive layer of the photoreceptor is formed on the transparent substrate. It may be formed of any known material having transparency and conductivity, such as ITO (indium tin oxide), zinc oxide, a soluble conductive polymer, or a conductive coating comprising a conductive fine powder of ITO, zinc oxide, or the like dispersed in a resin.
  • the thickness of the conductive layer is preferably about 10 ⁇ to 30 ⁇ m.
  • the photoconductive layer formed on the conductive layer may be formed of either an organic material (a phthalocyanine or polysilane compound) or an inorganic material (selenium or amorphous silicon).
  • the electric resistance of the carrier and the magnetic particles is measured by the same method as described above.
  • the diameter of the magnetic particles the diameter of a circle circumscribing each particle is measured using an SEM photograph, and the average value of the measured diameters is determined as the diameter of the magnetic particles.
  • the specific surface area of the carrier is measured with a specific surface area measuring device (SS-100, manufactured by Shimadzu Seisakusho Ltd.) by the air permeation method.
  • Fig. 1 is an explanatory view showing the principle of forming an image by an optical back recording process.
  • Figs. 2A to 2C are explanatory views showing the principle of forming an image by an optical back recording process.
  • Fig. 3A is a view showing an optical back recording apparatus
  • Fig. 3B is a view showing an apparatus for a Carlson process.
  • Fig. 4 is a view showing an optical back recording apparatus used in Examples.
  • Fig. 5 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 1.
  • Fig. 6 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 2.
  • Fig. 7 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 3.
  • Fig. 8 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 4.
  • Fig. 9 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 5.
  • Fig. 10 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 6.
  • Fig. 11 is a photograph showing the shape of the particles of toner sample 7.
  • Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the Fs value and the print density.
  • Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the Fs value and the background fog.
  • Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of electrification and the print density.
  • Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of electrification and the background fog.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams for comparison of apparatuses.
  • numeral 21 designates a photoreceptor drum (opaque)
  • numeral 22 an electrifier
  • numeral 23 a surface potential
  • numeral 24 an optical system
  • numeral 25 a developing device
  • numeral 25a a developer
  • numeral 26 a toner
  • numeral 27 recording paper
  • numeral 28 a transfer device
  • numeral 29 a fixing device
  • numeral 30 a de-electrification lamp
  • numeral 31 a cleaner
  • numeral 32 a photoreceptor drum (a transparent support)
  • numeral 33 a transfer roller.
  • the electrifier, de-electrification lamp, and cleaner can be omitted, and the optical system is disposed within the transparent photoreceptor. Further, also with respect to the transfer, the change from corona transfer to roller transfer can eliminate the evolution of ozone harmful to the human body, and the novel apparatus constitutes a system which can realize reductions in size, weight, and cost.
  • the present apparatus will now be described in more detail.
  • the present apparatus has a developing roller wherein a fixed magnet is provided within the roller and only a sleeve can be rotated. A carrier is present only on the developing roller which can feed only the toner.
  • the photoreceptor used comprises a transparent glass tube, a conductive layer of polyaniline coated on the surface of the transparent glass tube, and an organic photosensitive layer (formed of a phthalocyanine compound) coated on the surface of the conductive layer.
  • An LED which is contained in the photoreceptor, is used as the exposing means, facing the nip between the photoreceptor and the developing roller.
  • V AC alternating voltage
  • VPP peak-to-peak voltage
  • V DC direct voltage
  • an alternating voltage with a superimposed DC voltage may be applied to the sleeve.
  • the peripheral speed of the photoreceptor was 24 mm/sec.
  • FIG. 4 The construction of an actual apparatus using the method involving a carrier is shown in Fig. 4, in which 41 stands for a photoconductor drum, 42 is an optical system, 43 a developing roller, 44 a developing device, 45 an inlet cover, 46 a guide, 47 a feed roller, 48 a controller, 49 a transfer roller, 50 a fixing roller and 51 a guide roller.
  • Resin beads 60 parts by weight [Colorant] Carbon (BPL) 1 part by weight [Magnetic powder] Magnetite (MTZ-703; manufactured by Toda Kogyo Corporation) 40 parts by weight [Charge control agent] Azo chrome dye (S-34; manufactured by Orient Corp.) 1 part by weight
  • the above mixture was maintained at 90°C for 6 hr while dispersing and stirring in a slasher, during which time it was confirmed that the complex (toner) grew to a size of 10 to 12 ⁇ m. Then, in order to vary the shape of the toner, the complex was heated, in this state, in water at 90°C for 0.5 to 30 hr. Thus, toners 1 to 7 having different shapes of 0.25 to 0.95 in Fs value (Figs. 5 to 11) were prepared. These toners were collected by centrifugation. The toners were repeatedly washed with water until the pH value of these toners became 8 or less, thereby preparing magnetic toners having a volume average particle diameter in the range of 7.5 to 8.5 ⁇ m.
  • toners The shape of toners was specified in the same method as in the case of the toner having an Fs value of 0.81, and the amount (X parts by weight) of the azo chrome dye added was varied in the range of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight to vary the amount of electrification in the range of -10 to -80 ⁇ C/g.
  • methyltriethoxysilane 1 g was diluted with 1 litre of methanol to prepare a coating solution which was then coated by the rotary dry process onto 5 kg of a carrier core material (iron powder: average particle diameter 30 ⁇ m, manufactured by Powdertec Co., Ltd.). After coating, the coated carrier material was heat-treated in an air atmosphere at 120°C for 1 hr, thereby preparing an experimental carrier.
  • a carrier core material iron powder: average particle diameter 30 ⁇ m, manufactured by Powdertec Co., Ltd.
  • the electric resistivity of the resultant carrier was 5 ⁇ 10 5 ⁇ cm.
  • the above carrier and the above toner samples 1 to 7 having different shapes were used to prepare developers having a toner concentration of 10% by weight. These developers were used to compare optical back recording with the conventional recording system by means of an apparatus for an optical back recording system shown in Fig. 4 and a commercially available printer (M3876M: manufactured by Fujitsu, Ltd.)
  • the conventional system and the optical back recording system have different margins from each other with respect to the amount of electrification and Fs value.
  • good printing properties can be obtained when the Fs value is in the range of 0.75 to 0.90 with the amount of electrification being in the range of -10 to -40 ⁇ C/g, preferably when the Fs value is in the range of 0.75 to 0.85 with the amount of electrification being in the range of -20 to -30 ⁇ C/g.
  • a direct current voltage In an optical back recording apparatus as shown in Fig. 3 (A), development may be carried out by applying a direct current voltage.
  • the above monomer, colorant, initiator, and wax were stirred by means of a disperser (manufactured by Yamato Scientific Corporation) for 3 min, thereby preparing a monomer composition.
  • the monomer composition was placed in 5000 parts by weight of distilled water containing 10 parts by weight of polyvinyl alcohol as a dispersant, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature (20°C) by means of the disperser (1,000 r.p.m.) for 3 min. Thereafter, the disperser was replaced with a three-one motor, and the system was pressurized and heated at 80°C while stirring at 100 r.p.m., thereby completely polymerizing the monomer composition.
  • the resultant toner dispersed in water was centrifuged and collected by filtration. Washing of the toner with water was repeated to prepare a dimple spherical magnetic toner having an average particle diameter of 6.0 ⁇ m.
  • the toner had an Fs value of 0.85.
  • An optical back recording apparatus of Apparatus Embodiment (2) was provided, and printing was carried out using different carriers as specified in Table 3 with the toner concentration being varied in the range of 10 to 30% by weight. Evaluation was carried out for print density, background fog, damage to the photoreceptor due to leaks, and deposition of carrier.
  • ⁇ 1K value of magnetic susceptibility at 1 KOe (emu/g), HH: specific surface area (cm 2 /g), R: electric resistivity ( ⁇ cm), RKI: particle diameter ( ⁇ m), B/A and C/A: shape factor of carrier, and print density: when a good optical density property value of not less than 1.4 was obtained in a given toner concentration margin, i.e., in the toner concentration range of from 10 to 30% by weight, the print density was evaluated as o ⁇ ; and when the optical density property value was not less than 1.3, the print density was evaluated as v. In this case, the optical density was measured with a Konica Densitometer PDA-65.
  • Leaking was evaluated as v when no damage to the photoreceptor was observed even after printing was continuously carried out on 10000 sheets.
  • the deposition of carrier was evaluated as v when no deposition of carrier was observed by visual inspection of the photoreceptor.
  • a polyester resin (NE-2150, manufactured by Kao Corp.) as a binder resin
  • 5 parts by weight of carbon black Black Pearls L; average particle diameter 2.4 ⁇ m, specific area 138 m 2 /g; manufactured by Cabot Corporation
  • 1 part by weight of a charge control agent nigrosine, manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries Ltd.
  • propylene wax (Viscol 550P, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were melt-kneaded with one another in a pressure kneader at 160°C for 30 min, thereby preparing a toner mass.
  • the toner mass was cooled, it was crushed with a Rotoplex crusher to prepare a crude toner having a size of not more than about 2 mm.
  • the crude toner was then pulverized by a jet mill (PJM pulverizer, manufactured by Nippon Pneumatic Mfg., Co, Ltd.).
  • the resultant powder was classified by means of an air classifier (manufactured by Alpine K.K.) to prepare a positive electrification toner having an average particle diameter of 10 ⁇ m.
  • the photosensitive layer, formed of a phthalocyanine compound, in the photoreceptor was replaced with a photosensitive layer formed of amorphous silicon.
  • the other conditions were the same as those described in Apparatus Embodiment (2).
  • Development was carried out using as a carrier the carrier No. 1 specified in Table 3 and as a toner the toner prepared in Toner Production Example (3).
  • the print density, fog, leak, and deposition of carrier on the photoreceptor were on the level of v.
  • the optimization of a toner enables a good print density to be obtained in combination with the prevention of background fog in an optical back exposure process. Further, the optimization of a carrier enables good printing to be carried out for a long period of time without causing damage to a photoreceptor caused by leaks.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Developing Agents For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Using Other Than Carlson'S Method (AREA)
  • Combination Of More Than One Step In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Photoreceptors In Electrophotography (AREA)
EP95303785A 1994-06-03 1995-06-02 Image formation Expired - Lifetime EP0691583B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP14405094 1994-06-03
JP144050/94 1994-06-03
JP14405094 1994-06-03
JP85920/95 1995-03-20
JP8592095 1995-03-20
JP7085920A JP2735096B2 (ja) 1994-06-03 1995-03-20 画像形成方法および装置

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0691583A1 EP0691583A1 (en) 1996-01-10
EP0691583B1 true EP0691583B1 (en) 1999-09-01

Family

ID=26426927

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95303785A Expired - Lifetime EP0691583B1 (en) 1994-06-03 1995-06-02 Image formation

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5635323A (ko)
EP (1) EP0691583B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP2735096B2 (ko)
KR (1) KR0161787B1 (ko)
DE (1) DE69511794T2 (ko)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100196572B1 (ko) * 1996-09-02 1999-06-15 윤종용 전자사진 현상방식을 채용한 화상형성장치의 역전사 감소방법과 장치
US7457571B2 (en) 2004-09-29 2008-11-25 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
CN101507356A (zh) * 2006-08-21 2009-08-12 Tir科技公司 用于发光元件的波纹补偿的方法和装置

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6013169B2 (ja) 1977-12-19 1985-04-05 富士ゼロックス株式会社 磁性トナ−の製造方法
US4618241A (en) * 1981-07-27 1986-10-21 Xerox Corporation Apparatus, process for charging toner particles
JPS5958438A (ja) 1982-09-28 1984-04-04 Canon Inc トナ−
JPS6087352A (ja) * 1983-10-19 1985-05-17 Canon Inc トナ−塗布方法
JP2537503B2 (ja) 1987-01-29 1996-09-25 日本カーバイド工業株式会社 静電荷像現像用トナ−
JPH02176763A (ja) * 1988-12-28 1990-07-09 Mita Ind Co Ltd 現像剤用キャリア
EP0479875B1 (en) * 1989-06-28 1995-09-27 Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Dry electrostatographic toner composition
JPH03155565A (ja) 1989-11-14 1991-07-03 Fujitsu Ltd 静電荷現像用光重合トナーの製造方法
EP0434253B1 (en) * 1989-12-18 1996-05-08 Powdertech Co. Ltd. Carrier for electrophotographic developer, process for preparing the same and developer prepared by using said carrier
JPH04156555A (ja) 1990-10-19 1992-05-29 Hodogaya Chem Co Ltd 静電荷現像用トナーの製造方法
JPH04225368A (ja) 1990-12-27 1992-08-14 Fujitsu Ltd 非磁性一成分現像方法
JPH05150667A (ja) 1991-05-28 1993-06-18 Hitachi Metals Ltd 現像装置
JPH0515055A (ja) 1991-07-04 1993-01-22 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 限流器
JP2979354B2 (ja) * 1991-08-22 1999-11-15 コニカ株式会社 画像形成方法
JP3146572B2 (ja) 1991-11-26 2001-03-19 ミノルタ株式会社 静電潜像現像用トナーおよびそれを用いた静電潜像現像方法
JP3412838B2 (ja) * 1992-05-29 2003-06-03 キヤノン株式会社 磁性トナー
JPH06186821A (ja) * 1992-12-22 1994-07-08 Konica Corp 画像形成装置
JPH06314007A (ja) * 1993-03-03 1994-11-08 Hitachi Metals Ltd 画像形成方法
JP3223635B2 (ja) * 1993-03-18 2001-10-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 磁性トナー

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69511794D1 (de) 1999-10-07
US5635323A (en) 1997-06-03
JPH0850403A (ja) 1996-02-20
JP2735096B2 (ja) 1998-04-02
DE69511794T2 (de) 1999-12-23
KR0161787B1 (ko) 1999-03-20
KR960001915A (ko) 1996-01-26
EP0691583A1 (en) 1996-01-10

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